Ecology of phlebotomine sand flies in a Brazilian area with recent leishmaniasis transmission (Itaúna, in Minas Gerais state)

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis constitutes a serious but neglected tropical disease. Recently, socio-environmental, biological and physical changes have altered the range of leishmaniasis, causing it to spread into urban areas. In Minas Gerais, the disease is endemic, exhibiting regional differences and reaching urban centers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate entomological aspects related to the ecoepidemiology of leishmaniasis in Itaúna. METHODS: Monthly catches with HP traps were carried out from June 2017 to May 2018, in three ecological areas (urban, rural, and forest). The adaptability of the species to anthropic environments was assessed using the synanthropy index (SI). RESULTS: We collected 1306 specimens of phlebotomine sand flies. Of the species of medical importance, Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of Leishmania infantum, represented 90.4% of the specimens identified at species level (n=1260). Nyssomyia whitmani, the vector of Leishmania braziliensis, represented 1.6% of the total. Lu. longipalpis displayed an SI of +95.8, a value that denotes a marked preference for human environments. For Ny. whitmani, the SI was -25, expressing the tendency of this species to occupy uninhabited areas. The population of the three most numerous species captured increased with rain, high temperatures, and high relative humidity. Although captured at low numbers, Ny. whitmani showed a different profile concerning the climate variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the epidemiology of the disease may assist the health services in formulating effective control measures for improving community health and contributing to the establishment of a dynamic relationship and a global awareness of the health/disease process.

Nocturnal activity rhythm of nyssomyia intermedia (diptera: psychodidae: phlebotominae) in campus fiocruz mata atlântica, an american cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Nyssomyia intermedia is an important vector of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: Sand flies were captured in a Shannon trap and after landing on human collectors and retrieved monthly. Nocturnal activity was estimated using a log-linear model. RESULTS: Peak sand fly collection in the Shannon trap occurred in summer and winter, and peak fly collection on humans occurred in spring and summer. CONCLUSIONS: Ny. intermedia was captured in both the hottest and coldest months, indicating its adaptability to different seasons and the possibility of disease transmission at any time of the year in Campus Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, Brazil.

The role of gallery forests in maintaining Phlebotominae populations: potential Leishmania spp. vectors in the Brazilian savanna

BACKGROUND Knowledge on synanthropic phlebotomines and their natural infection by Leishmania is necessary for the identification of potential areas for leishmaniasis occurrence. OBJECTIVE To analyse the occurrence of Phlebotominae in gallery forests and household units (HUs) in the city of Palmas and to determine the rate of natural infection by trypanosomatids. METHODS Gallery forests and adjacent household areas were sampled on July (dry season) and November (rainy season) in 2014. The total sampling effort was 960 HP light traps and eight Shannon traps. Trypanosomatids were detected in Phlebotominae females through the amplification of the SSU rDNA region, and the positive samples were used in ITS1-PCR. Trypanosomatid species were identified using sequencing. FINDINGS A total of 1,527 sand flies representing 30 species were captured in which 949 (28 spp.) and 578 (22 spp.) were registered in July and November, respectively. In July, more specimens were captured in the gallery forests than in the HUs, and Nyssomyia whitmani was particularly frequent. In November, most of the specimens were found in the HUs, and again, Ny. whitmani was the predominant species. Lutzomyia longipalpis was commonly found in domestic areas, while Bichromomyia flaviscutellata was most frequent in gallery forests. Molecular analysis of 154 pools of females (752 specimens) identified Leishmania amazonensis, L. infantum, and Crithidia fasciculata in Ny. whitmani, as well as L. amazonensis in Lu. longipalpis, Trypanosoma sp. and L. amazonensis in Pintomyia christenseni, and L. amazonensis in both Psathyromyia hermanlenti and Evandromyia walkeri. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results show the importance of gallery forests in maintaining Phlebotominae populations in the dry month, as well as their frequent occurrence in household units in the rainy month. This is the first study to identify Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Crithidia species in Phlebotominae collected in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.

Atração de vetores de leishmaniose tegumentar americana por compostos orgânicos voláteis presentes na pele humana / Attraction of American tegumentary leishmaniasis vectors by volatile organic compounds present on human skin

INTRODUÇÃO. A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) é a forma de leishmaniose com maior incidência em humanos, e no Brasil a maioria dos casos está concentrada nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. O protozoário Leishmania braziliensis é considerado o principal agente etiológico com ocorrência no país e tem como principais vetores os flebotomíneos Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia e Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. Sabe-se que, de modo geral, o olfato é o principal sentido de orientação dos insetos e, assim, foi assumido neste trabalho que esses vetores são atraídos por compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) presentes nos odores da pele humana. OBJETIVO. O objetivo geral do projeto foi identificar os COVs presentes na pele humana e avaliar os seus efeitos na atração de vetores de LTA, com a finalidade de desenvolver e aprimorar alternativas para o controle dos mesmos, de modo que estas possam ser baseadas em COVs que mimetizem os odores da pele humana e, portanto, sejam efetivas na captura de flebotomíneos antropofílicos...

INTRODUCTION. American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is the most frequent form of leishmaniasis among humans. In Brazil most of the cases occurs in the North and in the Northeast of the country. Leishmania braziliensis is the main ethilogic agent and its most common vectors are the phlebotomine sand flies Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani. It is known that the olfact is the best developed sense of orientation among insects and thus it was assumed that these vectors are attracted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from human skin odors. AIM. The aim of this project was to identify the VOCs from human skin and evaluate their effect on the attraction of ATL vectors, aiming to develop and enhance alternatives of its control, in a way that it can be based on VOCs that mimic human skin odors, which can be effective for anthropophilic phlebotomine capture...

DETECTION OF Leishmania (Viannia) IN Nyssomyia neivai AND Nyssomyia whitmani BY MULTIPLEX POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION, IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL / Detecção de Leishmania (Viannia) em Nyssomyia neivai e Nyssomyia whitmani por Multiplex Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase, no sul do Brasil

Sandflies transmit pathogens of leishmaniasis. The natural infection of sandflies by Leishmania (Viannia) was assessed in municipalities, in the state of Paraná, in Southern Brazil. Sandflies were collected with Falcão and Shannon traps. After dissection in search of flagellates in digestive tubes and identification of the species, female sandflies were submitted to the Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (multiplex PCR) for detection of the fragment of the kDNA of Leishmania (Viannia) and the fragment from the IVS6 cacophony gene region of the phlebotomine insects. The analysis was performed in pools containing seven to 12 guts from females of the same species. A total of 510 female sandflies were analyzed, including nine Migonemyia migonei, 17 Pintomyia fischeri, 216 Nyssomyia neivai, and 268 Nyssomyia whitmani. Although none of the females was found naturally infected by flagellates through dissection, the fragment of DNA from Leishmania (Viannia) was shown by multiplex PCR in one sample of Ny. neivai (0.46%) and three samples of Ny. whitmani (1.12%). It was concluded that Ny. neivai and Ny. whitmani are susceptible to Leishmania infection, and that multiplex PCR can be used in epidemiological studies to detect the natural infection of the sandfly vector, because of its sensitivity, specificity and feasibility.

Flebotomíneos transmitem os patógenos das leishmanioses. Foi avaliada a infecção natural de flebotomíneos por Leishmania (Viannia) em municípios do Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Os flebotomíneos foram coletados com armadilhas de Falcão e Shannon. Após dissecação para pesquisa de flagelados no tubo digestório e identificação das espécies, as fêmeas de flebotomíneos foram submetidas a Multiplex Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (multiplex PCR) para a detecção do fragmento do kDNA de Leishmania (Viannia) e do fragmento do gene IVS6 da cacofonia de flebotomíneos. A análise foi realizada em pools contendo sete a 12 tubos digestórios de fêmeas da mesma espécie. Um total de 510 fêmeas foram analisadas, incluindo nove Migonemyia migonei, 17 Pintomyia fischeri, 216 Nyssomyia neivai e 268 Nyssomyia whitmani. Embora nenhuma fêmea tenha sido encontrada naturalmente infectada com flagelados pela dissecação, o fragmento de DNA de Leishmania (Viannia) foi mostrado por multiplex PCR em uma amostra de Ny. neivai (0,46%) e três amostras de Ny. whitmani (1,12%). Conclui-se que Ny. neivai e Ny. whitmani são suscetíveis à infecção por Leishmania, e que multiplex PCR, devido à sua sensibilidade, especificidade e viabilidade, pode ser utilizada em estudos epidemiológicos para a detecção da infecção natural do inseto vetor.

Eclectic feeding behavior of Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in the transmission area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, state of Paraná, Brazil

Introduction The blood meal source of sandflies provides valuable information about the vector/host interaction and allows for an understanding of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) transmission mechanisms. The aim of this study was to identify the blood meal sources of Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia in an endemic area of leishmaniasis in Brazil's State of Paraná using a precipitin test. Methods Sandflies were collected in the rural locality of Epitácio Pessoa within the City of Adrianópolis, State of Paraná, in southern Brazil. A total of 864 female sandflies were captured, and 862 (99.8%) were identified as L. intermedia species. However, two unidentified specimens were considered to be part of the genus Lutzomyia. Results Among the females examined, 396 specimens presented reactions to a certain type of tested antiserum, and most (67.9%) reacted to the simple type. These sandflies fed mainly on the blood of birds, opossums, and rodents, but specimens that fed on the blood of humans, dogs, horses, cattle, and cats were also found. Among the cross-reactions found (32.1%), bird/rodent, bird/opossum, bird/dog, bird/human, and horse/dog cross-reactions were the most common. Conclusions These results demonstrate a tendency in the eclectic feeding behavior of L. intermedia and support its potential role as a vector for ACL in the study area. .

Blood feeding patterns of Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera, Psychodidae) in a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area of the Ribeira Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify the blood feeding sources of Nyssomyia intermedia (Ny. intermedia) and Nyssomyia neivai (Ny. neivai), which are Leishmania vectors and the predominant sandfly species in the Ribeira Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil, an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods Specimens were captured monthly between February 2001 and December 2003 on a smallholding and a small farm situated in the Serra district in the Iporanga municipality. The blood meals of 988 engorged females were tested using the avidin-biotin immunoenzymatic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seven blood meal sources were investigated: human, dog, chicken, bovine, pig, horse and rat. Results The results showed that among the females that fed on one or more blood sources, the respective percentages for Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai, respectively, were as follows: human (23% and 36.8%), pig (47.4% and 26.4%), chicken (25.7% and 36.8%) and dog (3.9% and 0%), and the differences in the blood sources between the two species were statistically significant (p = 0.043). Conclusions Both species had predominant reactivity for one or two blood sources, and few showed reactivity indicating three or four sources. Many different combinations were observed among the females that showed reactivity for more than one source, which indicated their opportunistic habits and eclecticism regarding anthropic environmental conditions. .

The phlebotomine fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Guarai, state of Tocantins, with an emphasis on the putative vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural settlement and periurban areas

Phlebotomine sandflies were captured in rural settlement and periurban areas of the municipality of Guaraí in the state of Tocantins (TO), an endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Forty-three phlebotomine species were identified, nine of which have already been recognised as ACL vectors. Eleven species were recorded for the first time in TO. Nyssomyia whitmani was the most abundant species, followed by Evandromyia bourrouli, Nyssomyia antunesi and Psychodopygus complexus. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and the evenness index were higher in the rural settlement area than in the periurban area. The evaluation of different ecotopes within the rural area showed the highest frequencies of Ev. bourrouli and Ny. antunesi in chicken coops, whereas Ny. whitmani predominated in this ecotope in the periurban area. In the rural settlement area, Ev. bourrouli was the most frequently captured species in automatic light traps and Ps. complexus was the most prevalent in Shannon trap captures. The rural settlement environment exhibited greater phlebotomine biodiversity than the periurban area. Ps. complexus and Psychodopygus ayrozai naturally infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis were identified. The data identified Ny. whitmani as a potential ACL vector in the periurban area, whereas Ps. complexus was more prevalent in the rural environment associated with settlements.

Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Lábrea, state of Amazonas, Brazil, with a description of Evandromyia (Aldamyia) apurinan Shimabukuro, Figueira & Silva, sp. nov.

An entomological survey was conducted from July-December 2009 and September-December 2010, as part of the epidemiological monitoring of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in the municipality of Lábrea, state of Amazonas (AM), Brazil. Sandflies were collected using CDC light traps installed in intra and peridomiciliary locations, as well as the border of forested areas around houses where autochthonous cases of ACL were recorded. A total of 510 sandflies belonging to 26 species were collected. The most abundant species was Nyssomyia antunesi (44.5%) followed by Evandromyia walkeri (10.6%) and Micropygomyia rorotaensis (9.8%). Here we also describe Evandromyia (Aldamyia) apurinan sp. nov. and report new records for Trichophoromyia flochi and Evandromyia sipani in AM and Brazil, respectively. Our results describe the composition of the sandfly fauna in the south of AM and suggest Ny. antunesi as the putative vector in the transmission of Leishmania in this area of the Amazon Region.

Biogeographical aspects of the occurrence of Nyssomyia neivai and Nyssomyia intermedia (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a sympatric area of the Brazilian savannah

Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai constitute a species complex associated with Leishmania transmission. The aim of this study was to analyse the ecological profiles of the Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai populations in a sympatric area in the Brazilian savannah along the banks of the Velhas River. Captures were performed from July 2003-June 2005 in two distinct environments: a gallery forest with various degrees of anthropogenic modification and animal shelters. A total of 20,508 Ny. neivai (86%) and Ny. intermedia (14%) sandflies were collected. The difference between the proportions of the sandflies that were collected (Ny. neivai/Ny. intermedia) per bank was significant. The right bank presented a greater number of sandflies (65%) and more preserved vegetation. The abundance of Ny. neivai was higher than that of Ny. intermedia on both banks. The results demonstrate that anthropic activities can affect the sandfly populations in this area, thereby leading to a reduction in species abundance. Nevertheless, the environments with higher levels of antropogenic modification displayed sandfly population numbers that favour the Leishmania transmission cycle.

Phlebotomine sandflies fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) at rural settlements in the municipality of Cáceres, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Fauna flebotomínica (Diptera: Psychodidae) em assentamentos rurais no Município de Cáceres, Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is expanding across Brazil, including the State of Mato Grosso (MT). The aim of this study was to characterize the phlebotomine sandfly fauna at threerural settlements located in the municipality of Cáceres, MT, from August 2010 to July 2011. METHODS: Sandfly captures were conducted at the forest border and in intra and peridomicile areas with automatic light traps, biweekly, from 5pm to 6am. RESULTS: Of the 630 sandflies collected, 348 were female, and 282 were male. Captured specimens were distributed across 11 genera - Brumptomyia, Evandromyia, Expapillata, Lutzomyia, Martinsmyia, Micropygomyia, Nyssomyia, Pintomyia, Psathyromyia, Psychodopygus, and Sciopemyia - and 28 species. Among these, six species had not been marked yet in MT (Brumptomyia avellari, Br. mangabeirai, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Micropygomyia echinatopharynx, Micropygomyia peresi, and Pa. campograndensis). Nyssomyia whitmani was the most abundant species across ecotopes at all settlements. Interestingly, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi were found in sympatry. CONCLUSIONS: The disorganized occupation of the environment that is happening at the rural settlements of Mata Comprida, Laranjeira I and II could provide opportunities for the domiciliation of wild populations of phlebotomine, including vectors of leishmaniasis. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease in these areas and its impact on the human population.

INTRODUÇÃO: As leishmanioses encontram-se em expansão no Brasil, inclusive no Estado de Mato Grosso (MT). A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar a fauna flebotomínica emtrês assentamentos rurais localizados no município de Cáceres, MT, entre agosto de 2010 e julhode 2011. MÉTODOS: As coletas foram realizadas na margem da mata, no intra e peridomicílio com armadilhas automáticas luminosas, quinzenalmente, das 17h às 6h. RESULTADOS: Foram coletados 630 exemplares, sendo 348 fêmeas e 282 machos. Os espécimes foramdistribuídos em 11 gêneros: Brumptomyia, Evandromyia, Expapillata, Lutzomyia, Martinsmyia,Micropygomyia, Nyssomyia, Pintomyia, Psathyromyia, Psychodopygus e Sciopemyia e 28 espécies, sendo que dentre estas, seis não haviam sido assinaladas em MT (Brumptomyia avellari, Br. mangabeirai, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Micropygomyia echinatopharynx, Micropygomyia peresi e Pa. campograndensis). Ressalta-se o encontro de Nyssomyia whitmani, espécie mais abundante nos diferentes ecótopos em todos os assentamentos. Destaca-se também a presençadas espécies Lutzomyia longipalpis e Lutzomyia cruzi em simpatria. CONCLUSÕES: A ocupação desordenada do ambiente, como vem ocorrendo nos assentamentos Mata Comprida, LaranjeiraI e II, pode proporcionar a domiciliação de populações selváticas de flebotomíneos, dentre estes os vetores das leishmanioses, tornando-se necessários maiores estudos para entender a dinâmica de transmissão dessas morbidades nestes locais.

Frequência de flebotomíneos em localidades rurais do município de Prudentópolis, estado do Paraná, Brasil / Fauna and frequency of sandflies in rural areas in the municipality of Prudentópolis, State of Paraná, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a composição da fauna e a frequência de flebotomíneos em seis localidades rurais do município de Prudentópolis, estado do Paraná. Os flebotomíneos foram capturados com o emprego de armadilhas de Falcão, entre 18 h e 1 h, em diferentes meses de 2008 e2009. Capturou-se um total de 1.429 flebotomíneos de sete espécies, com predomínio de Nyssomyia neivai em todas as localidades. As médias horárias (MH) de flebotomíneos foram mais elevadas em residências (10,7), galinheiros (10,3), matas ciliares (6,5) e pocilgas (5,8). As localidades ondeos flebotomíneos foram capturados apresentavam características ambientais apropriadas para atransmissão da Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana. O conhecimento da fauna, da frequência de flebotomíneos e da forma de ocupação do ambiente pode auxiliar na escolha do método mais apropriado para reduzir a densidade de flebotomíneos no peridomicílio e domicílio.

Fauna de flebotomíneos em municípios do norte pioneiro do estado do Paraná, Brasil / Sandfly fauna in counties of the pioneer north of Paraná state, Brazil

São apresentados no presente estudo os resultados de coletas de flebotomíneos com armadilhas de Falcão e Shannon, em 53 localidades rurais de 19 municípios do Estado do Paraná. Foram coletados 27.441 flebotomíneos de 13 espécies, com predomínio de Nyssomyia whitmani. Constatou-se que há grande concentração de flebotomíneos nos abrigos de animais domésticos e nas matas.

Primer informe de Lutzomyia yuilli Young & Porter, 1972 y Lutzomyia triramula (Fairchild & Hertig 1952) (Diptera: Psychodidae) en el departamento de Caldas, Colombia / First record of Lutzomyia yuilli Young & Porter, 1972 and Lutzomyia triramula (Fairchild & Hertig 1952) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caldas departament, Colombia

Durante estudios de foco en varios municipios del departamento de Caldas, Colombia, donde se han presentado casos de leishmaniosis cutánea, se recolectaron nueve especies de Lutzomyia: Lutzomyia gomezi (Nitzulescu 1931), Lu. ayrozai (Barreto & Coutinho 1940), Lu. panamensis (Shannon 1926), Lu. bifoliata Osorno, Morales, Osorno & Hoyos, 1970, Lu. trapidoi (Farchild & Hertig 1952), Lu. yuilli Young & Porter, 1952, Lu. triramula (Fairchild & Hertig 1952), Lu. atroclavata (Knab 1913) y Lu. trinidadensis (Newstead 1922). Dos de estos taxones constituyen nuevos registros para el departamento, Lu. yuilli del subgénero Nyssomyia, y Lu. triramula del subgénero Trichopygomyia. Los individuos de Lu. yuilli se obtuvieron mediante el uso de trampas de luz tipo Shannon y CDC en el municipio de Norcasia, mientras que los de Lu. triramula se recolectaron usando trampas de luz y adhesivas en los municipios de Norcasia y Victoria. Se discute la importancia de este hallazgo teniendo en cuenta la limitada distribución de Lu. triramula en el territorio colombiano y la capacidad vectorial de Lu. yuilli.

Nine species of Lutzomyia were collected during the research of various cutaneous leishmaniasis foci in the department of Caldas, Colombia: Lutzomyia gomezi (Nitzulescu, 1931), Lu. ayrozai (Barretto & Coutinho 1940), Lu. panamensis (Shannon 1926), Lu. bifoliata Osorno, Morales, Osorno & Hoyos, 1970, Lu. trapidoi (Fairchild & Hertig 1952), Lu. yuilli Young & Porter, 1972, Lu. triramula (Fairchild & Hertig 1952), Lu. atroclavata (Knab 1913), and Lu. trinidadensis (Newstead 1922). Two of these species constitute a new record for the department, Lu. yuilli of the subgenus Nyssomyia, and Lu. triramula of the subgenus Trichopygomyia. The specimens of Lu. yuilli were collected using Shannon and CDC light traps in the municipality of Norcasia, while the specimens of Lu. triramula were collected using light and sticky traps in both Norcasia and Victoria municipalities. The importance of this finding, taking into account the limited distribution of Lu. triramula in the Colombian territory and the vector capacity of Lu. yuilli is considered.

Avaliação de medidas de controle de flebotomíneos / Evaluation of sandfly control measures

Realizou-se coletas de flebotomíneos de maio de 2005 a abril de 2006. Os resultados foram comparados com os das coletas realizadas entre abril de 2001 e setembro de 2002, para avaliar as medidas empregadas para diminuir a densidade destes insetos, no Recanto Marista, município de Doutor Camargo, Estado do Paraná. As coletas foram feitas com armadilhas de Falcão, em domicílios e galinheiros, das 22 às 2 horas, semanalmente, quatro vezes ao mês. Em 2005 e 2006, coletaram-se 213.195 flebotomíneos, 1.113,8 em média por hora (MH) e em 2001 e 2002, 199.821 (MH=1.653,5). Nyssomyia neivai prevaleceu (75,4 por cento) em todos os ecótopos que, juntamente com Nyssomyia whitmani (23,4 por cento), Migonemyia migonei (0,8 por cento) e Pintomyia fischeri (0,4 por cento), representaram 99,7 por cento do total coletado. Nos ecótopos representados por galinheiros foram coletados 88,7 por cento dos flebotomíneos. Constatou-se que houve queda na densidade de flebotomíneos no período de coletas 2005 e 2006 em relação à de 2001 e 2002, especialmente no domicílio.

Collections of sandflies were made between May 2005 and April 2006. The results were compared with those from collections undertaken between April 2001 and September 2002, in order to evaluate the measures used to decrease the density of these insects in Recanto Marista, municipality of Doutor Camargo, State of Paraná. The collections were carried out by Falcão traps inside domiciles and hen sheds, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. once a week, four times a month. In 2005 and 2006, 213,195 sandflies were collected (average of 1,113.8 per hour), compared with 199,821 (average of 1,653.5 per hour) in 2001 and 2002. Nyssomyia neivai predominated (75.4 percent) in all the ecotopes. Nyssomyia neivai, Nyssomyia whitmani, Migonemyia migonei and Pintomyia fischeri accounted for 99.7 percent of all the sandflies collected. The ecotope of hencoops accounted for 88.7 percent of the sandflies collected. It was observed that the sandfly density had decreased between the 2001-2002 and 2005-2006 collections, especially in homes.

Pesquisa de infecção natural de flebotomíneos por Leishmania, no Estado do Paraná / Research of natural infection of phlebotomines for Leishmania, in the State of Paraná

A leishmaniose tegumentar americana tem sido notificada em todos os estados do Brasil e no Paraná essa doença é endêmica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi detectar a infecção natural de flebotomíneos para verificar a competência vetorial destes insetos e a identificação da espécie parasitária. Os flebotomíneos foram coletados com armadilhas de Falcão e Shannon, nos municípios de Doutor Camargo, Fênix e Mandaguari, de novembro de 2005 a agosto de 2006. Coletaram-se 12.930 flebotomíneos, dos quais 2.487 fêmeas foram dissecadas e destes 1.230 fêmeas foram submetidas à reação em cadeia da polimerase. Pelo método da dissecação, foi detectada uma fêmea de Nyssomyia whitmani com infecção natural por flagelados e pela reação em cadeia da polimerase não se detectou a presença de DNA de Leishmania em nenhuma das fêmeas. Apesar de não ter sido detectada a infecção natural de Nyssomyia neivai nas localidades em apreço e ainda que os requisitos de incriminação vetorial não tenham sido atendidos, não se deve negligenciar o potencial vetorial desta espécie.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis has been reported in all Brazilian states and in the Paraná this disease is endemic. The objective of this work was to detect natural infections in phlebotomines to verify the vector competence of these insects and the identification of the parasite species. Phlebotomines were collected using Falcão and Shannon traps, in the municipalities of Doutor Camargo, Fênix and Mandaguari, between November 2005 and August 2006. from 12,930 phlebotomines were collected, 2,487 females were dissected and 1,230 dissected females had been submitted to polymerase chain reaction. Flagellates were detected in a female Nyssomyia whitmani that had been dissected and for polymerase chain reaction failed to detect Leishmania DNA in any females. Even though flagellates were not detected in Nyssomyia neivai it should still be considered as a potencial vector.

Primer informe de Lutzomyia França en el departamento de Guainía, Amazonia Colombiana, y de Brumptomyia mesai Sherlock (Diptera: Psychodidae) en el Litoral Caribe Colombiano / First Report of Lutzomyia França in the department of Guainía, Amazonian Colombia, and of Brumptomyia mesai Sherlock (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Colombian Caribbean Coast

Se registra por primera vez para el Departamento de Guainía, Colombia, la presencia del género Lutzomyia França de reconocida importancia médica. Los flebotomíneos se recolectaron mientras intentaban picar al humano en los alrededores del casco urbano del municipio de Inírida. Se identificaron taxonómicamente tres especies de Lutzomyia, incluidas L. davisi (Root), L. olmeca bicolor Fairchild & Theodor, y L. antunesi (Coutinho). Adicionalmente, Brumptomyia mesai Sherlock es citada por primera vez en el litoral Caribe Colombiano a partir de ejemplares colectados con una trampa de luz CDC modificada en la Reserva Forestal Protectora Serranía de Coraza y Montes de María, Departamento de Sucre.

This is the first record of the presence of the medically important genus Lutzomyia França in the Department of Guainía, Colombia. Sand flies were collected biting humans in the surroundings of the urban area of the Municipality of Inírida. Three Lutzomyia species were taxonomically identified as L. davisi (Root), L. olmeca bicolor Fairchild & Theodor, and L. antunesi (Coutinho). Additionally, Brumptomyia mesai Sherlock is cited for the first time in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia based on specimens collected with a modified CDC light trap in the Reserva Forestal Protectora Serranía de Coraza y Montes de María, Department of Sucre.

Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto, 1926) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) geographical distribution and epidemiological importance

Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva 1912) and N. neivai (Pinto 1926) are possible vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis in some regions of Brazil. Further, the latter was until recently, considered a junior synonym of the former. This study has the purpose of updating our knowledge of the geographical distribution of these species, based on specimens deposited at the collection of the Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-Fiocruz, Faculdade de Saúde Pública-Universidade de São Paulo, and on data presented by literature as also to associate this distribution with the cutaneous leishmaniasis cases reported. It has been reported that N. intermedia occurs in the states of the Northeastern Region, in Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, on the northern coast of São Paulo, in eastern Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goiás, close to the border with Minas Gerais and Bahia. N. neivai occurs in the Southern Region, southern coast and in western São Paulo, southern and western Minas Gerais, southern Goiás, and southern Pará, beyond Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It is important to highlight that N. intermedia and N. neivai occur in sympatry in Minas Gerais and São Paulo. N. intermedia or N. neivai are predominant or are captured abundantly in several cutaneous leishmaniasis foci in the Southeastern and Southern regions of Brazil.